The British Standards Institute (BSI) has published the BS 6229: 2018 - flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof covering - code of practice – writes Martin Bidewell, Head of Technical and Product Management for Sika Roofing .   The latest guidelines, which were published in November, contain a number of changes in relation to general good practice guidance, updated terminology and definitions for flat roofs. These include an update of the previous definition for a “vapour control layer” to an “air and vapour control layer” (AVCL), as they perform two important functions. Changes now recommend avoiding the traditional cold roof construction, where the insulation is on the underside or cold side of the deck, due to the difficulty in forming an effective AVCL, cross ventilation and the subsequent increased risk of condensation. An additional “breather layer” is now shown over the insulation to provide an external air-leakage barrier and to help protect the insulation against any detrimental environmental factors. More specific reference on the minimum design and finished falls in formed gutters and a new definition for “zero falls” (roof slope between 0 and 1:80 with no back falls or ponding) is also now included. A small relaxation to minimum upstand heights at door thresholds to balconies and terraces only is adopted (following NHBC guidance) to allow designers to meet the Building Regulations for level access. For all other abutments, the waterproofing should still be terminated a minimum of 150mm from the finished roof level. Updated advice is available for the thermal design of inverted roofs, having now obtained improved practical experience of the actual performance of inverted roofs incorporating a water flow reducing layer (WFRL), designed to reduce the ‘cooling effect’ from rainwater. Interstitial condensation is covered in detail under its own standard, BS 5250, so has been removed from this standard. However, the updated code of practice does advise minimum thermal values for heated buildings (0.35W/m2K) are achieved at any point, to avoid surface condensation, all as per legislation guidance. Although it is anticipated many of the above mentioned amendments will take time to become established industry practice Martin Bidewell, Sika’s Head of Technical and Product Management, said those within the building sector should now be familiarising themselves with the code and following this updated guidance. He said: “Manufacturers, specifiers and the like should be obtaining copies of the standard. People need to understand what the detailed changes are and the affect it might have on our buildings. From here on in, companies should be doing their utmost to ensure all new designs incorporate the latest recommendations.” The code relating to flat roofs with continuously supported coverings was previously updated in 2003. Martin said the new guidelines provide more clarity for users. “The latest guidelines are more defined and help eliminate some of the grey areas that existed within the previous code,” he said. “The 2003 version really was an old standard, therefore the 2018 code brings it into line with the latest Building Regulations and other codes of practice. In my opinion, the latest guidelines are more streamlined and easier to understand, which can only be a good thing.” “The guidelines are vital to successful flat roofing,” Martin added. “The standard sets out the basics of how to properly design a flat roof. There will always be instances when the guidelines cannot be adhered to completely, particularly when the project involves the refurbishment of an existing roof. However, there should be no excuse to ignore the code in new-build scenarios. The BS 6229 code of practice is the go-to flat-roofing document, and along with relevant trade association guidance, should form the minimum standards the industry is looking to achieve for every roofing project.” For copies of BS 6229: 2018, visit: shop.bsigroup.com  

When it comes to construction, especially when there is a focus in commercial and industrial projects, access doors and panels are becoming an asset if not being commonly considered for projects. For many contractors, access panels are becoming a solution and option for clients looking to enhance accessibility, create versatility and functionality. Access panels may not be the first thing a client thinks of when they are seeking a wall, floor or roof solution. It is for this reason why it can be hard for contractors and builders to sell the idea of using access doors and panels; however, as will be discussed, there is so much to gain when installing an access panel and door to any project. One thing that a contractor and builder can consult with their clients to show the benefits of an access panel and door, they can demonstrate why it is they need an access panel or door. To best understand why we share the following… Purpose When it comes to access panels and doors, some clients may not realize that the panel can offer many purposes. It is for this reason that a contractor or builder will want to discuss the needs of the client with what the access panel can offer. For example, a client may think that the only way to gain or provide access to tight and not so easily accessible spaces is via a door of sorts, when in fact access panels can not only create this access point but it can also provide security. The purpose of an access panel and what the client is hoping to accomplish will allow the contractor to provide the best option and solution. When the contractor or builder can fully understand the purpose of their requirements, then they can truly define the best building solution and option. Safety and Security When it comes to commercial and industrial buildings, safety and security are two major factors for clients often wanting to invest in the best option and solution. This means that when it comes to access panels, they may not always know what an access panel has to offer. When it comes to commercial kitchens, access panels are commonly used and recommended, especially when it comes to air vents and fireproofed access panels. The installation of an access panel is a business like a restaurant, or a factory can benefit significantly from one of the many access panels available in the market. From fire to soundproof panels and air vents, access panels allow business owners to enhance the safety and security of the building. More importantly, access panels that are correctly installed and selected will adhere to building codes and requirements. Functionality Access panels can unexpectedly fulfill a gap that a client may not have realized they had. Access panels and doors provide a level of functionality that is often limited by other building solutions. A door that is meant to create access may not prevent noise transference, a hatch may not have vents to allow for smoke to escape and airtight panels may not actually prevent the seeping of outside elements. With the investment of an access panel, the functionality becomes two-fold if not more. When a client is looking to install an access panel, they can also pick an access panel that doubles as being insulated or fireproof. The functionality of a panel will massively vary based on the material that it is made from. For example, contractors would not recommend the use of plastic for any exterior installs, if anything, they would ensure that the access panel is rust proof. Budget Friendly Looking to ensure that the budget is kept can be hard. Some factors are beyond any contractor or builders’ control. From materials to labour, any time there is a change or something that was not predicted it can lead to increases in cost; however if there is one building product that a contractor can rely on to keep costs low it is the access panel. While the price will vary on the material and size, access panels can be a cost-friendly solution to any project. Depending on the size of the project and the suppliers, contractors may be able to purchase access panels at a bulk rate and discount. Builder Better and Smarter Access panels have been around for decades and centuries. Initially, they were meant just to be a wall that could be easily installed and moved; however, over time and with the progression of technology, the access panel has evolved to be so much more. When a contractor or builder can incorporate an access panel or door to their project, they are enhancing the space, but more importantly, they are building smart. Access panels offer a unique level of versatility that is unlike any building product in the market. There are very few products that a contractor or builder can use that can meet various requirements. With access panels and doors, contractors and builders can recommend them as just a door, or they can recommend a panel with added features. From insulation to security and fireproofing – the access panel enhances any space and for a fraction of a cost that some clients may think will be the best solution. Not to mention, access panels can be easily concealed to suit the surroundings – even metal access panels can be coated with a white powder that can be painted over. Going with an access panel can be both a smart investment but a problem solver as well. They are a building product that is sometimes underrated because they are not commonly used; however, thanks to contractors who are seasoned in the field and industry – they know that an access panel can do much more than just be a flat surface. To learn more about the various access panels, both clients and contractors can visit online shops such as Best Access Doors or Access Doors and Panels to see some of their top-selling panels but also speak with their knowledgeable representatives.  

The catastrophic failure of Genoa’s Morandi bridge in August in 2018 has only served to highlight how ageing bridge structures must have a maintenance regime that can ensure the safety of road users.  In the UK, rail and road bridges are subjected to many types of loadings and other influences including corrosion which has to be properly managed to maintain safety.  With nearly 100,000 road road and rail bridges across the country, what proven solutions are available to ensure this vital infrastructure is fit for the future? Three quarters of all highways bridges consist of reinforced concrete, and whilst concrete accounts for the make-up of the majority of rail bridges, these structures are also made of other materials such as cast and wrought iron. Regardless of a bridge’s properties, the long-term exposure to the elements and traffic-based wear and tear will potentially lead to a number of issues including reinforcement corrosion, excessive cracking, chloride ingress and surface erosion. The consequences of not addressing bridge repair problems will be costly and possibly even dangerous in the long-run. Therefore, evaluating the causes of the deterioration is just as important and vital to evaluating and offering the correct repair strategy. Testing is a vital part of bridge repair and protection specification. It can be carried out using various techniques including a basic visual survey, hammer testing, chloride analysis techniques, carbonation testing, concrete-to-reinforcement cover surveys and half-cell potential testing. These assessments will help play a part in Sika’s preparation of any project-specific specification offering.  Lifecycle costing and management offers bridge owners the best approach to minimising any closure times whilst increasing required periods between scheduled maintenance works. This helps incur a minimal expenditure over the structure’s full service life. Sika provides bridge owners and their maintenance managers with the right design and planning tools, followed by well-designed and proven refurbishment solutions and systems to considerably increase the time between necessary maintenance and repair cycles. As the worldwide leader in the structural-strengthening of all types of reinforced concrete structures, Sika provides a full range of fully-tested and approved strengthening systems. Rather than use steel reinforcement to strengthen columns, beams, slabs and wall, specifiers are turning to carbon fibre.Flexible and versatile with a superior strength-to-mass ratio than traditional reinforcing methods, carbon fibre allows for a significant increase in performance without adding additional significant dead load. This solution is less intrusive and quicker and easier to install compared to traditional methods. Carbon fibre strengthening comes in many different forms, plates, rods, near surface mounted plates, fabrics and shear links and are fixed using a range of high performance structural adhesives. It is increasing in popularity as a proven solution for not only reinforced concrete but also steel, cast iron, wood and masonry structures due to its strength, lightweight, easy-handling ability, durability, superb adhesion and rapid installation where downtime of a structure is in short supply. By installing Sika CarboDur® for example, it is possible to improve the load carrying capability of the bridge so it can carry additional wheel loads and be fit for modern road standards. Furthermore, ageing bridges across the UK rail industry network, many from the Victorian era, require proven solutions which minimise disruption. This widely recognised and established carbon-fibre reinforced polymer strengthening solution can be installed overnight when using the new Sika CarboHeater® to encourage earlier curing, even at lower temperatures. Fixing and futureproofing critical infrastructure such as bridges has never been more important. When it comes to the upgrade and maintenance of these vital assets, Sika has the long-term refurbishment solutions that will stand the test of time. Visit www.sika.co.uk

Value engineering is a phrase that has divided the industry. At a time when the sector is under close scrutiny around the quality of what we build, value engineering – which not so long ago referred to a supply chain working to deliver best value – has been thrown under the bus in some quarters and blamed as a catalyst for cost-cutting, poor quality and performance. But is this right? I for one do not think so writes Mark Tomlin, Chief Executive Officer at VJ Technology. At the end of last year, Dame Judith Hackitt, author of ‘Building a Safer Future: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’ addressed an audience at the annual CABE (Chartered Association of Building Engineers) conference. She spoke about the need for a joined-up regulatory process that went hand-in-hand with a tougher regulatory reform regime with real penalties and sanctions for those who didn’t conform. She argued that the term ‘value engineering’ should be driven out of construction, saying that it was a phrase she would be ‘happy to never hear again’. “It is anything but value. It is cutting costs and quality,” she said. “The structure of industry has to change to make it more effective. We need to put a focus on the way in which buildings are procured. If we have a process that makes people bid at a cost they can’t afford to deliver at, we set ourselves up to fail.” Whilst I agree with her sentiment about the industry’s need to change and be more effective, I think she has misinterpreted the ‘value engineering’ phrase. Following her statement, there were many who were quick to point this out. So, what is the real definition of value engineering? Officially, value engineering is not a design/peer review or a cost-cutting exercise. It is a creative, organised effort which analyses the requirements of a project for the purpose of achieving the essential functions at the lowest total costs (capital, staffing, energy, maintenance) over a project’s lifetime. Through a group investigation, using experienced, multi-disciplinary teams, value and economy are improved through the study of alternate design concepts, materials and methods without compromising the functional and value objectives of the client. In simplistic terms, we have the price - what someone offers to sell or produce something at; then we have the cost. This covers everything that is needed to have the product or service installed and working. We then have the value – this is what the working product or service is worth to the customer and end user. Value engineering is therefore the process of optimising the cost to meet the customer’s requirements for the purposes of the product or service throughout its working life. So, genuine value engineering is about added value through a process of design and evaluation. The problem is the word ‘value’. To many this means reducing cost, and all too often when cost comes in to the equation, lowest cost wins. This leads to quality – and sometimes performance – being compromised. On virtually every project there is a need to reduce cost and a desire to improve margins. But reducing costs shouldn’t be about reducing quality, it should be about finding a way of delivering what is required at a lower cost, without compromising performance, safety and function. I can think of a number of projects where value engineering has delivered true value to the client. For example, there have been instances where VJ Technology has been able to assess a design and provide the client with a solution that uses a high- grade fixing, that due to their performance, means fewer are required. Whilst individually the high performance fixings are more expensive, when you factor in the fewer fixings required and the associated time savings, it works out much better value – a better performance at a lower cost. I stand by the true meaning of value engineering. The benefit of turning to specialist companies such as VJ Technology is so that you can utilise their skills and expertise and they in turn will provide recommendations that offer value, without compromise. And this is the thing to remember – value engineering is not about compromise, it is about adding value though engineering expertise. Visit: http://www.vjtechnology.com/

A muddy site, a tool belt and hard hat, wolf whistling, dirty finger nails, Bob the Builder and middle-aged men are just some of the perceptions we have when we think of people who work in the construction industry. Lest we forget our hard-working tradesmen who are up at the crack of dawn laying bricks, but ‘construction’ has way more to it than that. There is no escaping construction. The building you’re sitting in right now keeping you warm and safe is ‘construction’ yet our nation sees it as an unappealing career option, but guess what! I’m a woman in my mid-thirties and I work in construction and I love it writes Kelly Slociak, Head of PR, Fabrick . When I was 16 I had already mapped out that I was going to be an actress and have 4 children (including one set of twins) by the age of 30. I spoke to the careers advisor and my teachers and I chose my GCSE disciplines ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ and off I went. Limited choices, limited opportunities… Did I really know at that age what I really wanted to do, or more importantly, what my best skills were in order to guide me? Probably not, but back then that was what it was. For the record, I quickly learnt I was a rubbish actress, and actually the thought of having 4 children in my twenties meant I couldn’t go out partying, so that plan, to say the least, did not work out. I am often asked how I ended up working in construction and I always answer with ‘probably the same way you did, I ‘fell’ into it’. Just like most things in my life, I fell into Art College, I fell into doing a PR and journalism degree, I fell into a career in PR and marketing and then I fell into the construction industry. And now I am a voice for my clients who want to be at the forefront of decision makers in the industry. If I could go back to school and start afresh, it would be nice to know that construction isn’t just for men and actually there are lots of exciting opportunities within the industry. If I knew what an architect’s role was or a Quantity Surveyor’s role was or what a BIM expert was, perhaps my mind-set may have been somewhat different. So how can we ensure that the children of our future know about the construction industry and actually encourage these opportunities? I was invited to an inspiring talk by Mark Farmer at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG) debate last week on the ‘Image of Construction’ at the House of Lords. ‘Young people need to be inspired and motivated and we need to achieve a better gender balance’ were just a few of the points addressed to make the industry more attractive. Farmer also went on to speculate that the term ‘construction industry’ was perhaps maybe now outdated and asked if we should now be addressing it as the ‘built environment’. This is a term, that as an agency, we started to introduce a couple of years ago which sounds more appealing and represents more of a diverse range of prospects. ‘As an industry, how can we change the image of construction? The opportunity here is to be collaborative’ – which was heavily echoed in the Q&A debate from the panel of speakers which included Sadie Morgan of dRMM, Mark Reynolds, Chief Executive of Mace Group, Sam Stacey of Transforming Construction and Jade Lewis of St Gobain Group. Talking to a room full of fellow marketers, Farmer made a plea for better co-ordination, asking for more collaboration to reflect the increasingly high-tech nature of the industry and the solutions it presents to global issues such as climate change and living standards. Training has been neglected and the skills shortage continues so we need to be working together and reaching out to the schools, colleges and the next generation in general to educate them. Yes, we have a massive industry, and yes it comes with many problems, but it also comes with lots of opportunities to tackle those problems. For people of all ages, gender and backgrounds, this has to be an inspiring prospect. An opportunity to improve lives and help save our planet! So now what? They say it begins at home. So, every household with children that owns Lego bricks, I’d say that’s a good place to start… Visit: www.wearefabrick.com

Following a report last week by BBC’s Watchdog highlighting the hundreds of new build homes which are a fire risk, we are once again reminded of the dangerous gap between the expectation of safety, the reality of building regulations and the performance of buildings writes Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. People assume that buildings are safe but if a building is built to regulations, what does that mean? What do people hear? Is it that the building complies with the statutory minimums to secure the health and safety of those in and around the building? In other words, you will escape the fire but your property is totally lost.  Or do people hear their property is protected by fire so both they and their possessions will be safe and protected from fire?  Or do people think we are safe from fire but there may be a little damage? The issue is therefore a case of clarity and an understanding of what the terms mean. It’s not unusual to hear after a fire that the building complied with building regulations. The fire may well have been devastating in terms of property damage but it was a success in terms of regulation and we could do no more. One only has to look at the devastating fire on New Year’s Eve at the Shurgard self-storage facility in Croydon as an example of the ambiguity and misunderstanding of building regulations. It was built to regulations but that did not stop the fire from destroying 1,198 rented units and the impact it had on the hundreds of people whose possessions were lost in the blaze. It was another painful reminder that fire does not discriminate; whether it is a self-storage warehouse, a university, a car park or an office, fires happen on a regular basis. The issue raised by Watchdog needs to be addressed but at the same time we need to work to help people clearly understand it is the minimum required. Building regulations will not protect their property from being lost in the event of a fire. In the case of a new build home, it means meeting the minimum required. Fire spread in building voids and the time for a fire to break out of a room will be limited and the occupants will have time to escape Regulation and guidance is about minimums but all too often the minimum is not clearly defined or communicated. The protection of property is often misunderstood. A recent YouGov survey found that 69% of the businesses polled thought that following Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (ADB) guidance meant that their business premises and contents would be adequately protected from fire events. It doesn’t, but it should. The decision to review Building Regulations Approved Document B (ADB) is welcomed by the BSA and many construction organisations across the industry.  Property protection should be a consideration of the ADB guidance to make buildings of the future resilient to fire. If you want to be resilient to fire you cannot rely on the minimum. Visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org  

Young people and their lack of interest in construction is a continual conversation within the industry, so as a 23 year old female who works in construction, I have to ask myself ‘Why has the industry lost its shine for our youth? What does the industry really need to do to make construction an industry of choice for young people, writes Paige Chapman? Construction is one of the most diverse and creative industries in the world. Spanning centuries and every country, there’s a rich history and a bright future that cannot be denied. So why is the younger generation uninterested in becoming a part of it? If they could see and experience the diversity of roles and projects that I help promote through social media, I’m sure they’d change their minds. I feel perception is a big part of the problem, as put simply young adults often think that working in construction is difficult manual labour that is poorly paid and better suited to men. Construction was once treated like a family heirloom, passed down from father to son for generations, but many young people are rejecting their parents’ expectations of them, without realising just how much the sector now has to offer. A career in the skilled trades is not seen as an exciting option in these times of YouTube and Instagram stars. Why go and physically exert yourself to get paid when you see people every day making videos and posting #Ads on Instagram… and getting paid a lot of money for it?! With such a masculine history, it’s understandable that so many young women don’t realise that it is a great career option for them. So many of the world’s top architects, engineers and surveyors are women, but there are also opportunities to be a graphic designer for a major contractor, or a copywriter, or a marketing or social media specialist talking about the exciting advancements that the world is making every day in construction. Check out the author of this blog! More and more young women are taking on trades and becoming excellent carpenters, plumbers, electricians etc. The promotion of these jobs needs to be stronger within education and from companies. A recent report by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) stated that a third of homeowners would rather hire a female builder. Young women should be encouraged to take up these roles and the success stories of these women, who are paving the way, should be shared. Together we need to break down the outdated perceptions relating to the industry as they are both wrong and damaging to its future. Young people are vital to businesses, they bring with them enthusiasm, new ideas, an instant understanding of new technologies and they are ultimately our future. Because of this, every industry - not just construction - should be trying their hardest to welcome graduates and apprentices into the fold. So what needs to be done? Education needs to be the starting point in changing people’s opinions of a career in construction. Schools need to communicate and promote, to both genders, the diversity of construction, the roles it offers and the pathways into such a great industry. Ultimately, they need to push construction as a viable career option. Construction is creative and gives people the opportunity to leave behind a legacy. Any building work they may physically build, design or be a part of will be around for centuries to come and a great sense of pride and accomplishment comes with that. There has never been a better time to join the building industry. It is ripe with new opportunities and the shifting responsibilities of current roles, as new technology comes into play. Which is why there needs to be more communication to get the message out there that this industry isn’t just for older men. Young people, boys and girls alike, will bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into this industry and expand it even further into the future. Here at Fabrick, we see the potential in young apprentices and graduates and each of our departments has a trainee or junior just brimming with innovative approaches to our work and ideas that our other members of staff may have never thought of. Meanwhile, our older staff members share their industry knowledge and experience with them. We find that a mixture of ages in each team really enhances the ability of the group as a whole, as they all have different areas of speciality and expertise! So, to conclude, companies should be pushing to show young people that the construction industry is a great place to spread their wings in the world of work. Paige Chapman is Digital Media Trainee, at Fabrick, a construction specialist Marketing and communications company. Visit: www.wearefabrick.com

Of the 673 new schools built and open under the government’s flagship school programme, only 105 were fitted with sprinklers.  With hundreds of schools in the UK having a fire each year, this alarming statistic once again only emphasises that money spent on dealing with the aftermath of fires should be being spent on sprinklers writes Iain Cox, Chair of the BSA.  The BSA shares the concerns of Labour MP and former teacher Stephanie Peacock who said: “The ridiculous thing is that we spend far more rebuilding and repairing schools after fires than we would have paid to install sprinklers in the first place.” School fires have a devastating impact on both a school and a community. Measures such as sprinklers drastically reduce the amount of damage done when there is a fire, and enable schools to get up-and-running quickly, reducing the cost, both economically and socially, to the public. On the 24th April, the Selsey Academy opened the doors to its rebuilt premises after a fire devastated the original, unsprinklered school in August 2016. In the interim, pupils were taught in temporary classrooms in four locations in the Selsey area and then temporary school portakabins until the new school was completed. Sadly, the trust that runs it has confirmed the new school has been rebuilt without sprinklers. Commenting on the lack of sprinklers in schools, Iain Cox, Chairman of the BSA, said: “This is another case of value engineering, where the cost of installing sprinklers has been cut out without any idea of the potential impact. Surely, it is better to protect the asset, so you won’t have disruption and the lost opportunity?”   Ensuring the safety of a building’s occupants is considered the bare minimum under current regulations, but it is clearly not the optimal outcome. A sprinkler system would serve to protect both the occupants and the building, allowing students to return to normality far more rapidly and with considerably less disruption to teachers’ already hectic schedules. Furthermore, the Association of British Insurers says the most expensive school fires typically cost around £2.8 million to address, and over the past four years an average 24 of these large-loss fires have occurred every year, totalling £67.2 million. Currently, sprinklers are mandatory in new school buildings in Scotland and Wales, but not in England and Northern Ireland.   The government advises that even a single missed day of education can have significant effects on future exam results. The installation of sprinklers could limit the damage from fire; significantly reducing the potential disruption to the students’ school life. The same misconceptions about cost and the impact of disruption can be seen across the commercial and industrial sector. The BSA is calling for better education on the substantial benefits that fire sprinklers can deliver to the business community and wider economy. Fire does not discriminate; whether it is a school, a car park a warehouse or an office, fires happen on a regular basis. However, they can be contained and extinguished by systems such as sprinklers to ensure that life is not put at risk and businesses, jobs and the economy are protected. Visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org

When you become a business owner, you take great care in protecting your business as well as employees. Part of the protection needs includes fire safety. To keep your business safe, elements of fire safety are added, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. Did you know that there are several types of fire extinguishers? Because fires can be caused by varying elements, it is important to have the right extinguisher type within your business. Get to know the options below to ensure you are protecting your business the right way. Most people think that every fire extinguisher is the same. They look at an extinguisher as a way to put out the flames. However, there are five different types, each belonging to a certain class. Understanding the classes and what type of extinguisher you need for your business is essential or fire safety. Class A This type of fire extinguisher is used for fires involving combustible materials. This can include fires that involve straw, paper, and textiles. When you operate a business that uses these types of materials, then you can benefit from this type of extinguisher. Class B This type involves fires where flammable liquids are at play. This would include fire with fats, tar or petrol. Only this type of extinguisher will put out fires involving flammable liquids. If you work with such materials, this type should be on hand. Class C This type of fire extinguisher will work on fires that involve flammable gasses. Natural gas, propane and methane fires can be put out with this type of unit. Certain chemicals are placed inside this fire extinguisher to counteract with the flammable gas chemicals. Class D This type of fire extinguisher reacts to fires involving flammable metals. This would include fires with potassium, metal, and aluminium. If you own a business that works with such materials, then this type of fire extinguisher must be on hand. Class F This extinguisher type involves fires from cooking. This could be in a domestic setting or from a deep fryer. The extinguisher also works with electrical fires. Any fires started from electrical components or appliances will react to this extinguisher type. Fires are separated based on classes due to how the fire needs to be managed. There is unfortunately not just one way that a fire can be treated. In certain scenarios, fighting a fire with the wrong class of extinguisher can see the flames grow. Take for example a cooking-related fire. With a Class F fire, if you use a water extinguisher, the fire will be exacerbated. Fire Extinguisher Types It is essential to choose the right fire extinguisher for your business needs. With so many types available, it can be confusing. A water type can be used for Class A fires. However, using this type of extinguisher requires care. Be sure to avoid any electrical components as the water can be a conductor for electricity. This type of unit will have the word WATER displayed on the side. Another type of extinguisher is AFFF Foam. This type will work for Class A and Class B fires. This type is known for helping to prevent fires from reigniting by creating a foam blanket on the fire to stop the oxygen supply. Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers are another type, one that will work for Class B and Class C fires. This type is basically ineffective for a Class A fire. ABC extinguishers are another type, one that will work for Class A, B and C fires. This one is beneficial to businesses that might be at risk of these types of fires. Additional fire extinguisher types include water mist, wet chemical and specialist dry powder. Each of these types will provide fire safety for a specific class of fires. Water mist and dry powder work for Class D while the wet chemical will work for Class F. When it comes to your business, it is important to have the right fire extinguisher on hand. Speak to a specialist today about your options.

Digital construction is at the forefront of the UK’s overarching Industrial Strategy. With an abundance of digital solutions available to streamline project management and workflow, which measures can be taken to assure there are sufficient skilled employees to use them and secure the construction industry’s future, writes Erica Coulehan, Content Marketing Manager at GroupBC ? Attracting younger generations At present, it is estimated that 22% of the construction industry’s current workforce is over 50 and 15% is over 60; startling figures which are indicative of the industry’s ageing workforce. Therefore, as time progresses it is becoming more crucial to identify potential avenues which will attract pools of young people to fill the emerging skills gap. According to a Redrow report, 52% of young people disregard a career in construction, either because they are simply disinterested or completely unaware of what a career in construction entails. This statistic needs explicating, as it could infer that the current construction industry skills shortage is perpetuated by the multiple misconceptions and misperceptions which have been rife in the industry for a long period of time. The industry has made significant progression over the past decade, yet the majority of young people unfortunately associate construction with muddy hi-vis vests, dust and little opportunity for development. A misrepresentation that is almost as shocking as the statistic mentioned above: what is it going to take to let young people see how enterprising, innovative and ‘digital’ the construction industry is? Technology is used throughout our everyday lives, transcending age groups. Even though the construction industry is no exception, it is still perceived as relatively low-tech. Start with secondary schools Whilst architecture university degrees are prolific in the education of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital construction solutions, this trend is by no means concurrent with secondary schools. The reasons for this are not necessarily to do with a matter of choice or preference; UK schools are under pressure to offer students – at GCSE particularly – the sought-after STEM subjects which are at the foundation of an industrial, corporate world.   Even though STEM subjects open-up multiple opportunities for young people, the same sentiment applies to the construction industry. For example, digital construction is part of the UK’s wider Industrial Strategy, where the creation of software such as BIM has generated jobs requiring a high level of technical education and skills which form the base of ‘STEM careers’. An example would be the use of augmented reality across construction projects. Although the technology is in its early stages, augmented reality (AR) is radically changing the building process, described as a way to visualise, manage and coordinate data throughout a building’s lifecycle. AR creates a virtual 3D structure of a building, providing important data about each component that can be accessed pre, during and post construction. Therefore, as this working method continues to develop, complementary skillsets will have to be nurtured within client organisations to ensure the software can be operated and utilised efficiently by Operations and FM teams. Digital construction in action A few years ago the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) developed ‘Craft Your Future’, a programme for 12-14 year olds which is integrated into the computer game Minecraft. Designed to encourage young people to consider careers in city planning, construction management and more, ‘Craft Your Future’ is a virtual solution which gives young people crucial insight into the real-time operation of a construction project. Whilst ‘Craft Your Future’ may be playing a vital role in addressing the future skills gap and labour shortages, the industry in its present state has more pressing concerns. It is widely known that throughout the industry there is a reluctance to adopt digital solutions. Bodies such as the UK BIM Alliance – which GroupBC is a patron of – educate companies on the benefits of digital construction and aim to ensure a common approach amongst vendors. However, much needs to be achieved to counteract this unproductive cultural stalemate if the industry is to embrace modern methods of working, such as off-site manufacturing. Recent initiatives such as reverse mentoring programmes, offered by the likes of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering – in which the more ‘digitally-experienced’ workers are helping senior colleagues transition to digital processes – are softening the alien transition from one way of working to another. As such, these will hopefully provide them with a better understanding of the business benefits of digital technologies. The initiatives outlined above are just a small portion of the many programmes that are being developed to realise the industry’s digital future. For this reason, the industry would do well to continually develop programmes such as these, headed by inspirational industry specialists who can showcase the excellence, worth and opportunities in digital construction to people of all ages and abilities. Not only will this help close the skills gap, it will ensure construction businesses have enough highly-skilled workers to steer the construction industry into its digital chapter.